Product classification

HS code for Live fish: 0301.99

Fish, live, n.e.c. in heading 0301.

Classification of live fish under HS 0301.99

HS code 0301.99 is a residual category used for the classification of live fish that are not specifically named in other subheadings of heading 0301. Chapter 3 of the Harmonized System covers fish, and heading 0301 is dedicated to live fish. While other subheadings provide specific codes for ornamental fish (0301.11, 0301.19), trout (0301.91), eels (0301.92), carp (0301.93), Atlantic and Pacific bluefin tuna (0301.94), and Southern bluefin tuna (0301.95), 0301.99 acts as the "other" category. This ensures that every species of live fish has a place in the nomenclature. To use this code, one must first verify that the fish is not an ornamental species and that it is not one of the specific food fish listed in the preceding subheadings. This code is used for a wide variety of species, including many tropical and temperate fish traded for consumption, research, or aquaculture that do not have their own dedicated six-digit HS code.

Covers
  • Live salmonids (other than trout)
  • Live sea bass and sea bream
  • Live tilapia and catfish (if not classified as ornamental)
  • Live cod, haddock, and other marine fish not elsewhere specified
  • Live freshwater fish not listed in 0301.91-0301.95
Also under 0301.99
  • Various aquaculture farms
  • government fisheries agencies
  • specialized bait shops
  • research institutions

Codes often confused with 0301.99

Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs when ornamental fish are placed in 0301.99 instead of 0301.11 or 0301.19. Ornamental fish are defined by their use in tanks or ponds for aesthetic purposes rather than consumption. Another error is classifying fresh or chilled fish (dead) under this code; those should be in heading 0302. Finally, specific species like carp (0301.93) or eels (0301.92) must be placed in their respective codes rather than the general 0301.99 category.

0301.11Fish; live, ornamental, freshwater0301.19Fish; live, ornamental, other than freshwater03.02Fish; fresh or chilled, excluding fish fillets and other fish meat of heading 03040301.93Fish; live, carp (Cyprinus spp., Carassius spp., Ctenopharyngodon idellus, Hypophthalmichthys spp., Cirrhinus spp., Mylopharyngodon piceus, Catla catla, Labeo spp., Osteochilus hasselti, Leptobarbus hoeveni, Megalobrama spp.)0301.92Fish; live, eels (Anguilla spp.)

Top exporters and importers of HS 030199 (the code used for live fish), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030199 (the code used for live fish) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 24% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

Figures cover everything classified under HS 030199, not only live fish.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $273M
  2. 2 Japan $129M
  3. 3 Philippines $73M

World total: $874M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 South Korea $233M
  2. 2 China $160M
  3. 3 Hong Kong $116M

World total: $966M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

How these figures are built

109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).

Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.

Brazil NCM codes for live fish

Brazil splits HS 0301.99 into 6 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about live fish

What is the HS code for Live fish?

The HS code for Live fish is 030199 (Fish; live, n.e.c. in heading 0301). The HS code for live fish not specifically named in other subheadings is 0301.99. Specific species like trout or eels have their own codes.

How do I classify Live fish for customs?

Live fish is classified under HS code 030199 — Fish; live, n.e.c. in heading 0301. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Are goldfish classified under 0301.99?

No, goldfish are considered ornamental fish and are classified under HS code 0301.11.

Which countries are the top exporters of live fish (HS 030199)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030199 (the code used for live fish) in UN Comtrade data were China ($273M, 31% of world exports), Japan ($129M) and the Philippines ($73M). World exports came to about $874M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

Which countries are the top importers of live fish (HS 030199)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 030199 (the code used for live fish) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($233M, 24% of world imports), China ($160M) and Hong Kong ($116M). World imports came to about $966M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

Is the HS code for Live fish the same in all countries?

The base HS code 030199 for Live fish is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.

What is the NCM code for live fish in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 030199 into 6 NCM codes, so the right one for live fish depends on the product's details: 0301.99.11 (Live tilapia for breeding), 0301.99.12 (Live sturgeon (4 Acipenser spp.) for breeding), 0301.99.19 (Other live fish for breeding), 0301.99.91 (Live tilapia, not for breeding), 0301.99.92 (Live sturgeon (4 Acipenser spp.), not for breeding), 0301.99.99 (Other live fish, not for breeding).